The defense is where the Houston Texans will win this game. I think the offense will have a tough time sustaining drives and the defense will need to force a couple of turnovers and help give Houston some short fields to work with. However, I had my doubts about the Texans getting the ball moving last week and they put up 37 points and currently sitting in second place in the AFC South.
My worry is that the Texans' offensive line is going to have a very difficult time slowing down T.J. Watt and the Steelers' pass rush. I do think Houston will make a couple of big plays through their passing game, but it will be up to the defense to put their offense in a better position, and I think they will.
Let's talk about three players in the Texans' defense that I think need to have a big impact in this game. It's going to take some game-changing plays from this defense and here are the three guys I think need to deliver to give the Texans a win this weekend.
Will Anderson Jr - Edge defender
Is anyone surprised I listed Anderson here? It shouldn't be a surprise, as he's the Texans' best pass rusher, and he needs to dominate the Steelers backfield. Pittsburgh hasn't done a good job of running the ball, which means they will likely need to turn to their passing game more often than not.
You could say the same about the Texans but at least their passing game has been on point. We can't say the same about the Steelers. Pickett is completing less than 60% of his passes and has three interceptions on the season. If Anderson can get to him, force a strip sack and shut down drives, that will be huge for the Texans offense.
Henry To'oTo'o - Linebacker
To'o'to'o has had his snap count increasing with each game. In Week One, he was in on only 22 snaps, Week Two was 46, and last week, he was in on 69 snaps. As the season progresses, he should get better each week. The Texans ranked 16th in the league in run defense, which isn't terrible but could certainly be better and that is where To'oTo'o comes in.
Houston will need him to step up and help shut down the Steelers run game, which hasn't been good so far this season; however, Najee Harris is still a solid running back and could get rolling at any time. If To'o'to'o shuts down the run and makes the Steelers one-dimensional, it'll allow Will Anderson Jr. and the rest of the team to tee off on Pickett.
Jalen Pitre - Safety
Jalen Pitre has been battling a chest injury this week but has been a full participant the last two days of practice and should be a go for Sunday. Houston needs him to play because he might be the best defensive player on this roster and those are the guys the team looks to for momentum-changing plays.
Pitre will be vital not only in the run defense but also in the coverage and this is where I think he will shine. If Anderson and Greenard can pressure Pickett, I think he'll put the ball out there in harm's way and Pitre will make him pay. Pickett's thrown three interceptions through three games so far, which by the way is three more than C.J. Stroud. The Texans need to force a couple of turnovers in this one and I think Pitre can help in this department. Maybe he could make it easy and return one for six.